Brian Caffarey - 14th March 2011

Woking v Hampton and Richmond Borough
7.45pm on Tuesday 15 March 2011

The Cards hope to continue their fantastic run on Tuesday evening when they entertain Alan Devonshire’s Hampton side. Could this be the night when Garry Hill’s side break into the top five? Come down to Kingfield and give the team your support!

WOKING

The Cards have now notched up nine wins and a draw in their last ten league games, with only one goal conceded. That’s an amazing record at any level of football and brings huge credit on Garry Hill, Steve Thompson and their players. In the last couple of games, away at Weston-super-Mare and Thurrock, it’s been as much about character as it has been about fine football, with the side having to overcome poor pitches and very direct, physical teams. The players must be tired mentally and physically after such an exhausting schedule, and the pressure of having to win every game to make up lost ground must have taken its toll. But Garry and Steve will demand nothing less than total commitment again on Tuesday night as the side start a sequence in which home games predominate and in which, elsewhere, there are plenty of games between their rivals.

The Cards, lying seventh in the table, now sit only one point behind fourth and fifth-placed Chelmsford City and Welling United, all having played 32 games. But Eastleigh, with the same number of points as Woking, have played two fewer games and occupy sixth place. Tonight (Monday) Chelmsford host Dover Athletic, who sit three points behind the Cards but with a superior goal difference and with two games in hand. On Tuesday night, in addition to the game at Kingfield, Eastleigh travel to Dartford. So, if the results go Woking’s way they could jump to fourth place – or, conversely, find themselves drifting to eighth place. It looks as if it will be nip and tuck for the play-off places right till the end of the season.

Joe McNerney will be completing his three-match suspension, so Reiss Noel will no doubt partner Adam Doyle in central defence again. Could we see a debut for new striker James Walker at some point during the game?

HAMPTON AND RICHMOND BOROUGH

The Beavers lie in 16th place in the league with 32 points from 30 games. They are not out of relegation danger, being only seven points clear of the drop zone, so they have plenty to play for. They’ve not got a bad record away from home, winning four, drawing six and losing four, with 18 goals scored and 17 conceded.

The Beavers have had a good run recently, including a notable 3-0 home win over Chelmsford City but on Saturday they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Weston-super-Mare. Their recent results, starting with that game, have been:

The Cards had Elvis Hammond to thank for grabbing all three points in this game. Woking fell behind in the first half to a Dean Inman strike and, although they applied increasing pressure after the break, it looked as though they were heading for defeat. But with five minutes to go Elvis turned his man and shot across the keeper to level the scores. Both sides then had chances as they sought a win. Three minutes into injury time Elvis was tripped in the box and then stroked the resulting penalty home. A good morale-booster for the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup the following Saturday.

Last season
Hampton and RB 0 Woking 2
5 September 2009

This was the Cards’ best display of the season to date. Delano Sam-Yorke’s pace and power and the midfield industry of Mark Ricketts and Sam Sloma gave Woking the edge. Woking took the lead in the 25th minute when Craig Watkins was fouled just outside the box. Sloma’s superb, curling free-kick beat the keeper all ends up. The Cards kept their grip on the game after the break and the second goal came when Sam-Yorke swept home a neat pass from ‘man of the match’ Sloma.

Woking 3 Hampton and RB 1
23 March 2010

Woking’s Craig Faulconbridge-inspired revival continued with this well-deserved win. Playing some good football, the Cards took the lead in the 38th minute when Faulconbridge stooped to head in an excellent cross from Ricky Anane. Harry Arter’s departure after the break, with an injury, seemed to disrupt Woking’s rhythm, however, and it was a relief when substitute Charlie Moone prodded home after some clever footwork from Moses Ademola had set up a chance for Nathaniel Pinney. But the visitors reduced the deficit with a goal from Yarnie. A nervous final ten minutes ensued but a brilliant solo goal from Pinney wrapped up a 3-1 win.

ADMISSION

Adults - £12
Juniors (u16s) - £2
Concessions / Students - £8

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

See the earlier news item for details of our great matchday programme, including the new ‘lucky programme’ attraction. Buy a copy and support the Club!

Come on, you Cards!

N.B. Don’t forget that the Kingfield Road Bridge is closed to vehicles. Pedestrian access will remain via a footbridge, but those travelling by car to the ground may have to take a diversion. For more details about the diversion, including a map, please see the Woking Borough Council website: www.woking.gov.uk/en...nmap